Valleyfair Family Amusement Park

90-acre family amusement park features more than 75 rides and attractions. Admission includes all rides, entertainment, attractions and the waterpark. Open May through September. Call for hours.

type:	Amusement Parks
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	1 Valleyfair Dr, Shakopee
tel:	(612) 445-7600

UnderWater Adventures

Bursting with 1.2 million gallons of water and over 3,000 living sea creatures, it's Minnesota's largest aquarium.

type:	Amusement Parks
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Mall of America, 120 E Broadway, Bloomington
tel:	(952) 883-0202

James J. Hill House

Built by railroad baron James Hill in 1891, it was the biggest mansion in the Midwest. See the intricate details of this impressive structure including stained glass windows, tile fireplaces, richly carved woodwork and cutglass chandeliers. Hours: Wed-Sat 10 am to 3:30 pm. Reservations preferred. Operated by Minnesota Historical Society. Downtown.

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	240 Summit Ave, Saint Paul
etl:	(651) 297-2555

Assumption Church

Cathedral of Saint Paul

Modeled after St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. Dedicated in 1915 by Archbishop John Ireland as a monument to the people of Saint Paul. Donations accepted. Hours: daily 8 am to 6 pm. Guided tours Mon, Wed and Fri at 1 pm. Downtown.

Landmark Center

Dedicated in 1902 as the Federal Court House and was the site of many infamous gangster trials. Now houses programs for performing and visual arts and civic activities. Free tours Thu 11 am, Sun 1 pm and by appointment. Self guided tours daily.

Mickeys Dining Car

Listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. Authentic 1930s art deco architecture. Dine on the "Best Breakfast in Town" within a living archetype of a bygone era. Downtown.

Lowertown

Many of the city's oldest and most architecturally significant buildings have been restored to encompass this thriving urban village. Artist studios, galleries, restaurants, shops, theaters, coffee shops, a Farmers' Market, beautiful Mears Park and the new Lower Landing Park on the Mississippi River are all part of this unique historic district. Downtown.

Minnesota State Capitol

Minnesota State Capitol
photo by: Werner Ruckelshausen

Free, 45-minute guided tours available of this Cass Gilbert masterpiece. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm; Sat, 10 am to 4 pm; Sun 1 pm to 4 pm. Tours on the hour, last tour begins one hour before closing. Groups of 10 or more need reservations. Downtown.

Alexander Ramsey House

Victorian home completed in 1872 by Minnesota's first Territorial Governor, Second Governor, U.S. Senator and Secretary of War, Alexander Ramsey. One-hour guided tour Tue-Sat, 10 am to 3 pm on the hour. Call for reservations. Operated by Minnesota Historical Society. Open during April-October and holidays. Downtown.

City Hall and Courthouse

Prominent example of art deco architecture, with Carl Milles' three-story onyx "Vision of Peace" statue in the lobby. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 am to 4:30 pm; self guided tour or guided tours by appointment, call 266-8023. Downtown.

Governor's Residence

Official residence of the State's chief executive. Formerly the Horace Irvine home. Within grounds is the Minnesota Garden Memorial with a sculpture by Paul Granlund commemorating the service of Minnesotans in Vietnam. Free one-hour tours available May-October, call for appointment.

Historic Fort Snelling

Stone fortress on a bluff above the Mississippi River depicts the outpost life of early Minnesota. Restored to its 1827 appearance. Costumed guides demonstrate crafts and military drills. Hours: May through October, Mon-Sat, 10 am to 5 pm; Sun, noon to 5 pm. Historic Fort Snelling History Center open daily. Operated by Minnesota Historical Society.